Eoin Morgan has been axed from Englandâs Test squad for the trip to Sri Lanka, following his dismal performance during the recent tour of the United Arab Emirates.

Seen brighter days: England’s Eoin Morgan (Picture: AP)

The Dublin-born left-hander had a top score of 31 from 17 innings in all forms of cricket against Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the last two months, with his Test average slipping to 30.43 from 16 matches.

Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel has been called up in his place.

England coach Andy Flower believes Morgan requires time to iron out some flaws in his technique, but has tipped the 25-year-old to bounce back.

He said: âHe’s had a tough tour of the UAE, we’ve been here for two months and it’s been hard work for him.

âHe has got some work to do I think on his Test game – that’s going to be quite difficult for him considering his next cricket is going to be IPL cricket.

âWhen he comes back he’ll have limited exposure to opportunities to get four-day cricket under his belt so he has got to go away and give some serious thought to his method in Test cricket.

âHe has been severely tested out there by the Pakistan spinners as have all our batsmen.

âI still think he has a very exciting future in Test cricket, he’s only 25 years old and he’s a very talented player, a very confident player and a very dangerous player.

âIf he can get his game in order so that the next time he gets a game in Test cricket he can grab it with both hands then he will fulfil his wishes for his cricket career and England will be a better side for it.â

The two-Test tour opens with a game against a Sri Lanka Board XI, which starts on March 15.